Mom'S Sugar Cookies(Tea Cakes)
Mom's Sugar Cookies are classic, tender tea cakes with warm nutmeg flavor, perfect for sharing with family and friends during tea time or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream lard, sugar, and eggs together until well blended.
- Sift 2 cups of flour with soda, salt, and nutmeg.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with sour milk or buttermilk.
- Add enough additional flour to form a soft dough that can be handled easily.
- Roll out the dough rather thin on a floured surface.
- Cut with a large cookie cutter into desired shapes.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) until the cookies are just firm to touch, about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the baked cookies with sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half butter and half lard instead of all lard. If you don't have sour milk or buttermilk, regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar can work as a substitute. Make sure to roll the dough evenly for consistent baking, and keep an eye on them in the oven to prevent overbaking, as these cookies are best when they are just set.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can also be paired with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a festive touch, consider decorating them with colorful icing or sprinkles. They also make a wonderful dessert alongside a fruit salad like Louise Mark's Cranberry Marble Salad or as part of a holiday cookie platter that includes Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until slightly softened.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Sugar Cookies(Tea Cakes) contains roughly 45 calories, with 0g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the lard with something else?
Yes, you can substitute lard with an equal amount of unsalted butter or a plant-based shortening for a more buttery flavor. This will change the texture slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.
What if I don't have sour milk or buttermilk?
If you don't have sour milk or buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these cookies more festive, you can add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the dough. Additionally, decorating them with icing or colored sugar before baking can add a fun touch for special occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).